The Great American Outdoor Show returns to Harrisburg's Farm Show Complex Feb. 4-12

Mark your calendar for Feb. 4-12, the dates for the largest consumer outdoors show in the world. 
The NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show rolls into the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg and it’s the most comprehensive outdoor show you’ll ever attend. For us folks here in the Southeast, we refer to this extravaganza as “the Harrisburg show” because it’s been well known over the years and there’s none like it or even comes close to it. 

The show covers 650,000 square feet of indoor space, has more than 1,100 exhibitors, more than 400 outfitters including fishing charter captains, and draws an attendance of nearly 200,000 folks over its nine-day run. 

And since the NRA took over management of the show, it now hosts practically every major firearms manufacturer displaying their latest lines be it handguns, shotguns, rifles and modern sporting arms. 

The show features a little bit of everything, and a lot of everything. From firearms to trucks, boats, archery/bowhunting gear, RVs, ATVs and a series of archery contests and kid’s events. The 3D Bowhunter Challenge even includes a category for crossbows and long bows. 

A sampling of this year’s show features some familiar events such as DockDogs,  Wall of Guns (where you can buy a chance to win one of several popular handguns and long-guns), Friends of NRA Banquet, arena shows and NRA’s Country Concert, this year featuring Brantley Gilbert and Jacob  Bryant, all popular country music entertainers (show tickets may be purchased in advance online and through ETIX.com).

If you’re a bowhunter or archer, one nicety of the show is that you can try out a bow, be it compound, crossbow or recurve, before you buy. The vast archery section will have the gamut of major bowhunting equipment manufacturers offering everything from bows to tree-stands and then some. 

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the host of free seminars, celebrity appearances, fundraising dinners and speaking events. All listed on the show’s website www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org. 

Some patrons plan vacation days around the show because as customary, the weekdays are less crowded than weekends - although certain weekdays are just as packed.

Kids will be entertained by the Eddie Eagle booth, Kids Casting Contest,  paintball range, trout fishing pond, face painting, basketball court, arts, crafts and a safety movie.  

If you’re handicapped or have a tough time walking the myriad of displays, scooters and wheelchairs are available for rental. 

Food and drink concessions are scattered throughout the show with seating areas reserved for food patrons so you don’t have to stand and eat. 

Show hours are Feb. 4, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Feb 6-10, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Feb. 11, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Feb. 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Here’s a tip for those looking to buy equipment. Attending the show on the last day often brings special discounts as many vendors would rather sell at an attractive discount, than take gear back or having to ship their products. 

Tickets can be ordered online to avoid standing in the ticket purchase lines and prices are as follows: Adult $15: Child (6-12) $8: Seniors (65 and older) $13.00: 2-Day passes: $26: Group ticket $13 (10 or more). Join the NRA on-site and you get free admission. 

As said, general admission tickets can also be purchased online by going to www.great americanoutdoorshow.com and they can be printed out at home. 

Parking is offered on-site ($10 credit card only - cco); Elmerton Ave. Lot ($10 cco); Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg (free shuttle service); and weekdays only; Harrisburg Community College, 1 Hacc Drive, Harrisburg ($10 cco) with free shuttle service to and from the show. 
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The Farm Show Complex is located at 2300 Cameron Street, Harrisburg, Pa 17110.